Kim Hee-sun's Joy Turns to Shock as Husband's Suspicious Behavior Hints at Infidelity in 'Our Blooming Youth'

In a dramatic turn of events, the second episode of TV CHOSUN's Monday-Tuesday mini-series 'Our Blooming Youth' delivered a shocking ending that left viewers on the edge of their seats.

Jo Na-jung (Kim Hee-sun) finally secured a second interview for a comeback role, only for the episode to conclude with scenes strongly implying her husband, No Won-bin (Yoon Park), is engaged in an affair.

Earlier in the episode, Na-jung, who had been struggling to find employment, showed interest in a re-employment program for women who've taken career breaks. Her husband's strong opposition to this stirred suspicion. Meanwhile, Gu Ju-young (Han Hye-jin) faced disappointment when her husband, Oh Sang-min (Jang In-sub), failed to meet her for a planned intimate encounter aimed at conception. Lee Il-ri (Jin Seo-yeon) confidently broke up with her younger boyfriend Eom Jong-do (Moon Yul-kang), but was later devastated to witness him kissing another woman.

Amidst these personal dramas, Na-jung, with the support of her friends, rejoiced after receiving a second interview invitation for the Sweet Home Shopping program. However, her husband Won-bin lashed out, questioning her priorities as a mother: “How can you, as a mother, not endure for one or two years for the sake of the child?” Na-jung tearfully countered, “I studied just like you. Do you know the humiliation of being pushed aside day by day?” to which Won-bin retorted, “For you, work might be a fancy self-fulfillment, but for me, it’s the livelihood of our four-person family.”

The next day, on her way to the interview, Na-jung received a call that her son was ill. She immediately abandoned her interview plans to rush him to the hospital, staying by his side all night. Later, seeking solace with her friend Hwang Jin-hee (Lim Yoon-bi), Na-jung discovered, while eating tteokbokki, that her second interview had been postponed. Borrowing clothes from Jin-hee, she headed to the rescheduled interview.

At the interview, Na-jung encountered Yang Mi-sook (Han Ji-hye), an old school rival, and the very executive, Seo Kyung-seon (Kim Young-ah), who had been the reason she had to quit her job previously. During a live sales test for a hotel package, Na-jung, initially frozen with nerves, found her footing by sharing a touching story about her late father, a welder. While Mi-sook impressed with her quick wit, Na-jung was praised for her exceptional storytelling, leading to her acceptance.

As a jubilant Na-jung reached for her phone to share the good news with Won-bin, she witnessed him across the street in a cafe, looking distressed while seated with a crying woman. This 'suspicious infidelity' scene marked the end of the episode, amplifying the suspense. An epilogue then flashed back to Na-jung, Ju-young, and Il-ri twenty years prior, discussing their ideals of a perfect life, contrasting sharply with their current, seemingly opposite realities, further piquing viewer interest.

Netizens are buzzing about the episode's cliffhanger. Comments range from praise for Kim Hee-sun's acting to speculation about Yoon Park's character: "Kim Hee-sun's acting is phenomenal!" and "What's with Yoon Park? Is he really having an affair?" Many expressed shock at the ending and eagerness for the next episode.